Key Takeaways
- BOTOX is a highly diluted, FDA-approved injection of botulinum toxin that works by blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscle contractions under wrinkles.
- It is most commonly used for crow's feet, forehead scowl lines, and wrinkles at the corners of the mouth caused by repeated frowning.
- BOTOX cannot reverse wrinkles caused by gravity or factors other than muscular contraction, such as static wrinkles that are visible at rest.
- The procedure takes only minutes, requires no anesthesia, and results appear within about seven days and typically last around six months.
- When correctly administered by a skilled provider, BOTOX does not cause a frozen appearance and patients can maintain natural facial expressions.
Weve all seen the pictures in celebrity magazines of famous people with Botoxed faces- but are those pictures accurate? What does Botox really do, and what are the results really like?
What Is Botox?
Botox is a very diluted injection of the toxin associated with the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The FDA has approved the use of these injections to treat a variety of facial wrinkles and creases.
The injection works by blocking signals that triggers muscular contraction in the muscles under and around the wrinkle you are targeting. This prevents the muscles from contracting, which in turn prevents the wrinkles from deepening and eventually relaxes the wrinkles, giving them a softer appearance.
Where Can You Use Botox?
Botox can be used on a number of places on the face. The most common areas are crows feet, lines on the forehead (scowl lines, etc.), and lines around the corners of the mouth caused by frowning. You cannot use Botox to reverse wrinkles caused by something other than muscular contraction- such as wrinkles caused by gravity.
What Are The Results Really Like?
Botox is injected into the selected muscles using a very fine needle. The procedure doesnt require anesthesia, and can be performed within a few minutes. Its common for patients to get Botox treatments while on their lunch break because there is no down time afterwards.
It can take up to seven days for the injection to take effect, and it usually lasts about six months. Patients may see that the wrinkle relaxes gradually over those seven days. As the injection wears off, the wrinkles will begin to reform and the patient will need to repeat the treatment.
Well-done Botox treatments should not result in the frozen face look that some celebrities have. Also keep in mind that many people with that look have paired Botox with other procedures, so the loss of their facial expressions may not be due to the (incorrectly administered) Botox alone.
Your surgeon will help you decide the right amount of Botox to use on each wrinkle you want to relax, helping you avoid any visible side effects of the procedure. When the correct dose is administered by a trained professional, you will achieve the reduced-wrinkle look youre after without sacrificing your natural facial expressions.
For more information, check out our Botox page.
If you want to schedule a consultation or Botox appointment at our office in Northern Virginia, call us at (703) 574-2588 or click here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is BOTOX and how does it work?
BOTOX is a highly diluted injectable form of botulinum toxin that is FDA-approved for treating facial wrinkles and creases. It works by blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscular contraction in specific facial muscles. With the muscle relaxed, it can no longer cause the overlying skin to crease, allowing existing wrinkles to soften.
What areas of the face can BOTOX treat?
BOTOX is most commonly used to treat crow's feet around the eyes, scowl lines and horizontal creases on the forehead, and wrinkles at the corners of the mouth from frowning. It is not effective for wrinkles caused by gravity, sagging skin, or volume loss, which require dermal fillers or surgical treatment instead.
How long does a BOTOX treatment take?
The injection procedure itself takes only a few minutes and can be performed without anesthesia. There is no downtime required and patients can return to normal activities immediately after their appointment. Many patients schedule BOTOX treatments during their lunch break without any interruption to the rest of their day.
Will BOTOX make my face look frozen?
No. When administered correctly by a trained and experienced provider, BOTOX relaxes only the targeted muscles without eliminating natural facial movement. The frozen or expressionless look sometimes seen is the result of excessive or incorrectly placed dosing, not BOTOX itself when properly administered.
How long does it take for BOTOX to take effect?
BOTOX does not work immediately. Patients typically begin to see the wrinkle gradually relaxing over the seven days following the injection, with full results visible at approximately two weeks. If you are planning BOTOX for a special event, schedule your appointment at least two weeks in advance.